Question about reflexes

I have seen, especially from Quix, posts about reflexes. From Jan. to June I had no relexes in my legs or arms. My doctors just ignored this. I got my reflexes back from July to Aug. and now, as of Oct., I have no reflexes again in my legs and arms. This time the neuro noted it in the chart and seemed concerned. Is this a significant sign of my condition getting worse? I really don't understand and the doc didn't explain it. I can't type anymore at the moment but I have been going through a lot trying to get diagnosed for the last 10 months. Muscle weakness, pain, tingling, burning, and numbness in all limbs. I can no longer walk more than a couple of steps or use my arms for more than a few minutes at a time. Lots of tests run. Borderline results from most, clear MRI, and 9 bands on my LP. Can someone explain what role reflexes play in all of this?

[Fluffysmom]

Hi there, I was just reading about that, since at my last neuro exam, my knee and ankle reflexes were absent, even when I was distracted by hooking my hands together in front of me, and pulling; there's a name for the maneuver.

There is a Health Page on tendon reflexes, but I believe it simply says that absent tendon reflexes are abnormal.  It does explain how tendon reflexes work, and other good information.

"The tendon reflexes are lower level "stimulus -> reaction" effects.   This means that the reflexes occur below the level of the brain.  Each muscle group contains stretch-receptors that, when stimulated quickly cause the muscle to contract.  The stretch signal goes up to the spinal cord and the signal to the corresponding muscle to contract proceeds right back down from the spine.  The brain does not get involved."

"The nerve loop that controls a tendon reflex is a stretch receptor that travels up to the spinal cord and immediately loops over to a motor nerve that travels down and activates the proper muscle."

OK, so if your reflex is absent, then there is something interfering with that nerve signal.  It could be from a medication, thyroid issues, depression; there are a lot of things that could contribute to absent tendon reflex.

When do you see your neuro again?  If not soon, could you call and ask him what significance your lack of reflex action has with the rest of your test results.  It may be that he's still trying to put all the information together.  Those 9 bands should point to something.

I hope someone will come along and explain it to you more clearly, or that your doctor can set your mind at ease.

Take care,

Kathy

[sunsetfl]

Thank you so much for the information, I really appreciate it.

[Quixotic1]

High and Welcome to the forum!

It is true that absent reflexes are not normal unless they are subdued by things like muscle relaxants or sedatives like Valium.

They are also unusual in MS, especially diffusely ( both arms and legs).  The lack of reflexes that come and go in attacks makes me think of a condition called Chronic Immune/Inflammatory Polyradiculoneuropathy or CIPD.  The problem with that is that you have so many O-Bands in your CSF.  Was your CSF protein quite elevated?

Here is the Health Page on Tendon Reflexes.

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple%20Sclerosis/Measuring-The-Tendon-Reflexes/show/157?cid=36

Would you tell us more about your story?

Quix

[sunsetfl]

Hi,
     I do not understand all the readings of my LP so I will list some of the things. The CSF Protein was 42 (perimeters were 15-45). CSF was clear and colorless. Glucose and WBC were in normal range. CSF Index was high (1.49). Serum albumin was high, 4840. CSF IgG/albumin was high, 0.33. Synthesis rate was high, 21.64. The doctor has this one underlined. Not sure what it means. Can you explain what the synthesis rate is and what the albumin is? I would really appreciate it, I like to know as much as I can about these tests.
    I read another post that you wrote about CIDP and I read some information on it. It sure sounds like I could possibly have that. I just don't know anymore. Thank you for your help.

[sunsetfl]

Also, I am not on any medication except vitamins and excedrin.

[sunsetfl]

Sorry, missed the last question. When I get better use of my hands, I will type up my entire story. Should I do that on my journal page or in here? I also have finals this week I'm trying to complete which is a real chore. Thanks again.

[Mand125]

Hi there
I have RRMS, diagnosed 15 years ago. When I went to see my neuro a couple of years ago to ask about DMDs she was surprised at my lack of knee and ankle reflexes.

She sent me for a test to rule out peripheral nervous system disease, I can't remember what the test was called but it involved mild shocks on my legs and feet.

The test showed that I did not have a PNS problem and a lumbar puncture given on the same day confirmed my MS diagnosis.

No explanation was given about the absent reflexes except to say that this is unusual in MS.

Mand

[sunsetfl]

Thank you for the input. I have already had an EMG and a nerve conduction test. Both of them, I am told by my previous doctor, were normal or inconclusive. I am glad to know I am not the only person with different symptoms outside the box. What are DMD's?
Tawnya

[Mand125]

Hi Tawnya

Sorry for using abbreviations  without checking that you knew what they meant, I suppose on this forum we get used to using them without thinking.

Anyway, DMDs are the Disease Modifying Drugs such as Betaseron, Avonex, Copaxone etc. there is some information about them on the health pages.

Mand

[Fluffysmom]

Hi, I saw my new neurologist, and he was able to activate my tendon reflexes, using different positions than previous doctors and neurologists. He also tested more tendon reflexes than previous doctors.   I was impressed!

I have no idea if that's the case with you, just relating another "outside the box" person's story.  :o)

Hope you can get some answers from your doc!  Oh, and Quix will mostly be back to give her opinion on your LP results when she can.  

Kathy

[sunsetfl]

Thank you for explaining. I can usually figure out the abbreviations but somedays I am just blank.

[sunsetfl]

Thanks for the information. LOL at the "outside the box" explanation. You made me laugh and I appreciate it.